Fitness Fridays: the importance of a cool down

When you’re busy its hard enough to get in a workout, let along a warm-up, a cool down AND the workout.  I know it is for me.  I am learning to take more time for fitness though.  It's my weakness.  Feed me gluten-free, dairy-free vegetable deliciousness all day long but ask me to go running after I've put in 6 hours at the magazine?  Um, no.  It's time for a Friends marathon and a nap.

I'm sorry, that's not very inspiring.  And its kind of off topic.  But somedays, its the truth.

The topic at hand though is the cool-down.  Turns out, its quite important. 

The cool down, defined as the continuation of exercise at a lower intensity after a workout — is a must for a few reasons according to sports physiologist Ross Tucker, PhD. 

Without a proper cool down, runners can experience nausea and dizziness due to blood pooling in their muscles and not circulating back to their heart.

A warm-up routine is just as important to your workout regiment as well as it improves overall performance, lessens next-day soreness and reduces the chance for injury. 

Cooling down can also help prevent dizziness and fainting after a hard workout. 

Some ways to cool down:
15 Minute Stretch Session on the mat following your weight training.
15 Minute walk after finishing a run or bike ride
Light yoga or meditation after finishing a power yoga class

What are your favorite ways to warm-up or cool-down during your time to work-out?

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